A life well-lived deserves to be celebrated. James Monroe Wike, 95, of Taylorsville, N.C., was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Wilkes Medical Center after a period of declining health.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, James loved spending time with his family and making them laugh. He enjoyed morning walks, gardening, and mowing his lawn when his health allowed. He had a large sweet tooth, and you could often find him enjoying a bowl of ice cream in the evenings.
James proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Korea for a little over a year. Before and after the war, James was employed with Trio Foods for a total of 53 years before retiring. He spent seven years as a cashier, 20 years working the wholesale route, and 26 years as manager.
James was born on February 9, 1931, in Alexander County, N.C., to the late Perry Lee Wike and Texie Stikeleather Wike. In addition to his parents, James will be reunited in Heaven with his loving wife of 60 years, Rava Nell Wike; his brother, Eugene Wike; his sister, Mary Sue Wike Lackey Payne; his brother-in-law, Newton “Ray” Payne, and his son-in-law, Ronald Russell.
Those left to cherish his memory include his two daughters, Deborah (Debbie) Wike Russell and Donna Gail Wike, both of Taylorsville; his two grandchildren, April Dawn Russell and Daniel Ryan Russell, both of Taylorsville; and two beloved family pets, Sayde and Buddy.
James is also survived by several extended family members, including Wanda Pennell and Mike Lackey of Taylorsville; Margaret Ann Southers of Taylorsville; Louise Hathcock of Hickory; Peggy Fox of Hickory; Helen Fox of Taylorsville; Mark Russell and wife Meshia of Taylorsville; Roger Russell and wife Shannon of Taylorsville; a number of nieces and nephews; and his caregivers, Sharon Greathouse and Gary Iredell of Taylorsville.
James was a longtime member of White Plains Baptist Church, where he served as a greeter and usher. He will be remembered for his faith in God and the friendship and wisdom he offered others.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Adams Funeral Home. The funeral service for Mr. Wike will be at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at White Plains Baptist Church. Rev. Tony Daniels and Rev. Jared Moody will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Memorials may be made to: Taylorsville DAV Chapter 84, 582 Carrigan Road, Taylorsville, NC 28681.
Condolences may be sent to www.adamsfunerals.com
Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to be serving the Wike Family.